Perspective 5

Things I am thankful for today:

the book "Making Kids Mind So You Don't Lose Yours". Today I read a chapter that hit on right where we are at these days. It gave me hope that we don't have to be stuck in this cycle forever.

Karaoke on the wii. It is so much fun to play with my girl.

the way Koleson stopped in his tracks and headed straight for me when he heard my voice after work.

the opportunity to be called mom each day.

perspective 4

I had to fill out some financial paperwork last week. The lady behind the counter was running some numbers. This is what our conversation looked like.

Her: What other income or assistance do you have?
Me: None. That is my total monthly income.
Her: These numbers don't work. You fall so far below the poverty line. How do you live? Even if I double your income, you still fall below the poverty line.

I left that office feeling so humbled. I do not live in poverty. I look around my beautiful home at my beautiful children. I consider that I have never had to hear the cries of my children due to hunger in their bellies. I have not had to pile us together to create enough heat to keep us warm. I have not had to sleep on the street. I do not live in poverty.

I am Dareth. I am a child of the most loving Father. And I am blessed.

To all of you that help us in a plethora of ways: I am humbled.
To those who feed us: I am thankful.
And to those of you who pray for me and my family: I am eternally grateful.

perspective 3

Things I am thankful for today:

Alivia gets to continue in preschool for the rest of the school year.

For finances that work for our family even when it doesn't make sense. Especially when they don't make sense.

Parents that support me during all seasons, especially the tough ones.

Singing in the car with Alivia while Koleson dances along :)

perspective2

Today I am thankful for:

a job in which I get to see God's hand move everyday.

a clean house. In fact, a house. Messy or clean, I am grateful for it.

Brandy and Timmarie. For too many reasons to count. But for this list, I thank them for loving my children like their own and being willing to care for them while I work. It has made going back to work bearable.

the opportunity to pray for others. It allows me to step out of my own troubles and bring my focus back to the Lord, where it should be...

Happy Tuesday

Right Now

There are 2 little girls, painting toenails and putting on makeup, chatting away like good friends do. I love them so much I could cry.

a dose of perspective

I got my sister's annual Christmas letter in the mail this week and in it she posed the question: "If tomorrow you had only the things you were grateful for today, what would you have?"

If I can keep this at the forefront of my mind, I think it could change my life.
Since the 30 day challenge was a good way for me to stay connected to this blog, I am going to try and check in each day for 30 days and share some of the things (big and little) that I am grateful for.

Day 1:
I am grateful:

for friendships that stand through things we shouldn't have to face alone
(or have to face at all).

for the sign language that Koleson is using to communicate.
Less screaming = Happier Mom.

for dancing in Aunt Brandy's playroom surrounded by children whom I love.

that Kevin helped give me two beautiful and precious children.


Yeah, I choked a little on one of those, but it's important for the perspective :)